[...] > > I'm unsure why we need *any* 32-bit libraries or binaries on an > amd64 system. If one needs to run 32-bit software, it is possible to > debootstrap an i386 system and use it as a chroot. Using a tool such > as schroot handles all of the kernel personality and chroot details, > and even allows normal users to use it with access to all their files, > etc. With a few one line scripts/shell aliases, it's completely > transparent. It also has the advantage of being a complete i386 > system rather than just a collection of libraries; you can keep it up > to date using the usual tools, and even boot it if you desire. i.e. > you get all the normal security support and updates. > > With multiarch, it's a different story, but we aren't quite there yet. >
My main use of 32-bit libraries is commercial software that is available for 32bit systems only. Yes, that's bad, but I can't do anything about that ATM. I'd really hate to run (and maintain!) an additional chroot on each of those servers just to run a single application. I do have i386 schroots on other systems, but I prefer not to maintain that on each and every server. It might actually be a bit of problem, because one of those commercial products is our backup software... Best, Michael
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